The Nikka 40 Years Old was a limited blended whisky released in 2014 to mark the 80th anniversary of Nikka Whisky. It was the first bottle in The Nikka line and is bottled at 43%.
About This Whisky
Nikka drew on its oldest reserves to make this blend, with every component aged for at least 40 years. The release launched the asymmetric bottle used for The Nikka range, a shape the company says reflects layers of tradition handed down since its founding. In the same spirit as the house blends, the style is built on long-aged malt with the softness of Coffey grain.
Tasting Profile
- Nose: Old oak, dried orchard fruit and honey, with a trace of smoke and spice.
- Palate: Silky and deep. Dried apricot, malt, soft grain sweetness and polished wood.
- Finish: Gentle and lingering, with spice, oak and fading fruit.
Serving & Food
A 40-year-old blend at 43% is best neat, in a small tulip glass at room temperature. Take it slowly and keep water to a drop at most. Serve with a plain almond cake, candied chestnuts or aged Comté.
How to Enjoy
Marking a milestone with a rare, very old Japanese blend from Nikka's anniversary year.
Product Details
Producer: Nikka Whisky
Country: Japan
Category: Japanese blended whisky
Series: The Nikka
Age: 40 years
Released: 2014, Nikka 80th anniversary
ABV: 43%
Volume: 700mL
About the Distillery
Nikka began in 1934 as Dai Nippon Kaju, a company founded by Masataka Taketsuru at Yoichi in Hokkaido. To bring in cash while the first spirit matured, it sold apple juice and other apple products.
The first bottle of Nikka Whisky came out in 1940. Its name was a shortened form of Nippon Kaju, and in 1952 the company adopted it formally, becoming The Nikka Whisky Distilling Co.